A major issue in family law cases is not always winning or finalizing the case but knowing the legal cost. Unfortunately, it is tough to determine a family lawyer’s actual fees because of the many factors involved. Many lawyers in Markham charge by the hour, ranging from $100 to $1000. Depending on the case, some charge a flat fee for specific services or an inclusive package. This article examines the typical cost of a family lawyer in Markham and what influences the price.
- Hourly fee
Many lawyers charge per hour for their services. That means you pay for the lawyer’s time as they work on your case, starting from the first consultation in some cases. The rate can range from $100 – $1000, depending on the lawyer’s level of expertise and experience. Experienced lawyers in Markham charge an average hourly rate of $250 to $400. With this budget, you will be dealing with an experienced lawyer capable of handling difficult cases. The lawyer informs you of their fee at the start of your communication. The fee comprises not only the time spent talking to you. But also doing work related to your case, such as court visits, filing, briefing, etc. Since their hourly rates are much lower, lawyers sometimes have their clerks or interns work on smaller tasks to limit the client’s costs.
- Flat fee packages
Paying per hour can sometimes be too high, depending on your needs. Markham lawyers, like AP Family & Divorce Lawyers Markham, offer packages that cover a few services. Many lawyers have since adopted this style. They combine hourly rates with a fixed fee for specific services. For example, a package covering initial consultation and full paperwork could cost $400 – $500. This is much more cost-effective for you because paperwork takes time.
If the lawyer charges hourly for it, you will surely end up paying much more. The average flat fee for an uncontested divorce in Markham is $1100. This package usually covers initial consultation, full paperwork, serving the papers to the other person, court processing, and divorce clearance. However, it depends on the lawyer. They will inform you about what the flat fee covers. Lawyers can not determine the total fees for an uncontested divorce. Therefore, it is tough to give an estimate. But expect to spend much more in this case.
- Other fees
Apart from the hourly and package fees, expect other costs which are out of the lawyer’s hands. For example, a paperwork package may not include costs like court forms, filing, faxes, etc. You would have to pay for these separately. If you are paying by the hour, you are paying for the lawyer’s time. Other expenses, such as forms, filing, and other applicable costs, would be your responsibility. If you want a private investigator to obtain important evidence for your case, that may come out of your pocket.
For these reasons, it is difficult to ascertain the cost of involving a family lawyer in your family dispute. The cost might be bearable, but in some cases, it can be too high. Some people use alternative dispute resolution systems, such as mediation, instead.